The Cornerstones of IPL Success:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has completed 16 seasons, with its 17th season now in full swing. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) have been the most triumphant, boasting 5 titles each. While captains MS Dhoni of Chennai and Rohit Sharma of Mumbai often receive accolades, it is the coaches who stand as unsung heroes, diligently shaping team strategies and nurturing talent.
Great coaches have the knack for transforming underperforming players into match winners, a feat that has led their teams to the podium. Here's an inside look at the top-5 coaches who have wielded such influence in the IPL.
Stephen Fleming:
Serving as New Zealand's captain until his retirement in March 2008, Stephen Fleming played 10 matches for Chennai Super Kings in IPL's first season. He was swiftly appointed CSK’s coach in 2009. With Fleming at the helm, Chennai clinched the title 5 times. Amidst a two-year suspension for CSK in 2016 and 2017, Fleming coached Rising Pune Supergiant, leading them to the finals in 2017. Upon Chennai's return, Fleming resumed his role and continued his successful streak, cementing his place as one of the top coaches in IPL history.
Source: aajtak
Mahela Jayawardene:
Decorated former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene transitioned from player to coach, taking the reins of Mumbai Indians in 2017. He made an immediate impact by securing the championship in his first season and repeated the feat in 2019 and 2020, making him a coach with three IPL titles to his name.
Trevor Bayliss:
The former Australian cricketer is revered as one of the most successful coaches in the IPL, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two titles under Gautam Gambhir's captaincy in 2012 and 2014. Beyond the IPL, Bayliss has enjoyed coaching successes in the BBL and CPL as well.
Ricky Ponting:
Ricky Ponting, one of the greatest captains in international cricket history, played for Mumbai Indians before donning the coach’s hat from 2014 to 2016. Under his guidance, Mumbai won the 2015 championship. Later in 2018, Ponting took over as coach for Delhi Capitals, leading them to three consecutive playoffs from 2019 to 2021.
Source: aajtak
Ashish Nehra:
Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra ranks fifth on our list, striking gold as Gujarat Titans' head coach in their debut season in 2022. With Hardik Pandya at the helm as captain, Nehra led the team to victory, and despite a finals loss in 2023, his coaching prowess places him among the best in the IPL.
